PMV Outbreak

I am new here so I hope I have posted this in the right spot.

I took in 16 young birds from an individual. They were not "up to par" and some were sick. Upon getting them home, I knew right away that they had paratyphoid and PMV. I began treatment and they are isolated, although I have no idea how long the sick ones had been shedding the virus to their un-vaccinated friends. It is now eight weeks later. Those that were sick in the beginning are completely healed and loving life, I only lost one. They had minimal neurological symptoms to begin with, and these symptoms are pretty much gone.

Now those that were infected from the shedding of the first round are starting to show signs. I was pretty confident in treating PMV, and I have wiped out the paratyphoid problem already. However, of four birds that just started showing symptoms this week, I have lost two. I am devastated and think it is very strange that the PMV escalated so quickly. One of the survivors is showing extreme neurological symptoms. Star-gazing, running in circles, sleeping with its head on the ground, throwing seeds, difficulty pecking seeds, head tremors, etc.

Unfortunately, I have been unable to get my paws on the PMV vaccine (been too cold to ship) to administer to the birds that still are not showing any symptoms. In fact, I ran out vaccine late last year, so two of MY youngbirds aren't even vaccinated. I usually vaccinate the adults in February, so they are running out of time, too. :-(

Anyway, I was curious if anyone could offer some advice? I have mixed gator aide with their water, they cannot get into the water. They are in a dark, clean, quiet environment with deep food dish. The vets say all they can do is put the birds down, but I know that they can live long lives once the virus has run its course so that is not an option. The birds that have healed from the first round are already pairing up with each other and building nests... should I allow them to hatch out any squabs? If I do, can they raise them or will they have trouble? Will the squabs get the virus from the parents, or is the virus completely dead after six weeks? I would only let them raise on or two, but if they CAN then I would like to give them the chance. Also, the supply place thinks they can finally get the vaccine out next week, and if they do, can I go ahead and vaccinate the ones that aren't symptomatic?

Thanks everyone!

I would syringe feed all birds with symptoms. They usually die of starvation and being unable to drink. When supplemental feeding is used, rerely will one loose bird due to secondary infections.

Thank you, I was hand feeding grains but did not know that they were unable to drink!!!

When sick with PMV they get dehydrated quickly. I use baby bird formula mixed with water or chamomile tea and bit of honey. Two times a day 20 ml each keeps them strong and fit to fight illness. I haven't lost a bird to PMV since started using this method.

If they have been ill so long, how have they survived without fluids.
How did you know for sure what was wrong with them and with what did you use to treat the paratyphoid...were they diagnosed by a veterinarian?

Oh...BTW...Luvmuv...welcome to PA.

Sounds like you do have a vet that will treat Pigeons. Would love to have his/her contact information to interview him/her for our resource directory.

They have water, I just haven't been watering them by hand. They seem to drink excessively to be honest. Let me dig up the vet's phone number for you and I will send in a PM (can we do that here?). Baytril to treat the paratyphoid. Thanks again everyone!

Sure...you can send me a pm here.

luvmav...just click on my name and you will be able to pm me from my profile page or you can email me the information.
Thanks a bunch.

I sure hope your birds get better.

I'm curious, why would this individual give you birds that are sick?


Welcome to the site

I sent luvmav an email a liitle bit ago asking for an up-date and so I hope he/she will come back and let us know how the Pigeons are doing.

Luvmav, how are the birds doing?

Sorry that I haven't updated. Every time I log in, it shows the background but not the forum, and it just sits there!

Anyway, the birds are doing great. Haven't had a single loss since I started giving fluids by hand. The two cockbirds with the most severe neurological symptoms are feeling good enough to start squables with each other. I had to seperate them in fear that they would hurt each other.

The other birds are paired up and building nests. Very cute. The vaccine arrived so all the birds that are either recovered or have not shown symptoms are being vaccinated.

Matilda wrote:

Would love to have his/her contact information to interview him/her for our resource directory.

luvmav wrote:

Let me dig up the vet's phone number for you and I will send in a PM

Were you able to get the vet info to Matilda?

Yes I think it sent.

luvmav wrote:

Yes I think it sent.

Yes...I did receive the information but when I called the number...a recording said the number was disconnected and there is no new number. I tried it twice.

Hmmm. I just copied and pasted it right off yellowpages?????

luvmav wrote:

Hmmm. I just copied and pasted it right off yellowpages?????

I figured you did.

Ok let me look on the invoice. I thought getting it off the yellowpages would be easier, just copy n' paste. I swear that is where I found it in the first place???

Thank you

Sent the # on the invoice.

OK...got it. It's a completely different clinic from the one you first sent me and a completley different veterinarian.

Matilda wrote:

OK...got it. It's a completely different clinic from the one you first sent me and a completley different veterinarian.

It should be the same place. There is only one vet in Marysville that I know of, and I took their info right off yellowpages for you so you would have all their info. The second # I sent is right off the invoice with the prescrip for Baytril and the fecal tests that were sent out to some avian and exotic animal hopsitol.

THis forum is driving me nuts, it keeps showing an error when I try to post. Not sure if I will be back, but rest assured that the birds are doing better. Take care and thanks for all the help.

BTW I think they did me a favor in this situation, as my family has taken our pets here forever. Not sure if they will treat just anybody's pijies. But worth a shot to ask them I guess. Good luck on your list.

I'm so happy to hear the birds are doing better. Great news!